Because we are arrogant.
Because we are convinced by our culture that it’s okay to be selfish.
Understand, when I say, Think For Yourself, I’m not saying to be self-consumed. I’m asking, begging, for you to spread your wings and stop being held down by rich white men like Uriah Watt and Eric Johnson. We’re ordered by our government and their media sidekicks to shut up and obey. To follow orders and vote within a two party system. We’re told we’re too strong to be broken.
Which is why Utah hurts.
Hopefully, we realize the vail is being lifted and we’re seeing our own weakness for the first time. Hopefully, you hate it. I know I do. I’ve been preaching about being Radical for over a week now, but I didn’t realize the depths of our vulnerability and complacency. What happens next is going to dictate our country’s history.
Do you support Eric Johnson and his short-sighted statement? Wait, before you answer that, ask yourself this question: do you really want to go into a fight standing beside a guy who dodged drafts and barely knows how to handle a marital dispute, let alone a war against the world’s police? If you do, please move to North Korea.
Or, do you think for yourself? Maybe examine the situation from an outside hand and see the future. I don’t believe Eric Johnson is right for our country. Yesterday, I did. What changed? One speech after a tragic death. Watt goes down, and Johnson is all of a sudden emotionally unstable and foolish enough to issue a statement showing how he’s not afraid of Ugo Ban.
Dear President Johnson, you should be very afraid of him.
In my experience, the guys who tell everyone they’re fearless are the ones wetting their pants.
As I remove the previous shells from my eyes, I’m left with the realization of our weakness, and the terror for our future.
Not because of Ban, not because of Johnson, heck, not even because of the terrorists killing random innocent people along the west coast. Instead, I fear for our future because our past wasn’t strong enough. Men grow from our generation incapable of standing tall. I hated Uriah Watt, but at least the man was willing to stand up for our Nation and its values. Will Johnson??? Has he ever before???
Yesterday, I asked, where have the heroes gone?
Today, I believe we have our answer:
There are no more heroes.
If that doesn’t make you afraid, I don’t know what will.
Be Radical.
-bc
*******
Greg/Seth
5:45 a.m. (Eastern time)
South Central PA
It wasn’t good enough. Greg gave Chapman topical flexibility in his article because he believed it would produce the best writing. Instead, it was mindless drivel comparing President Watt and President Johnson. This wasn’t why he was recruited. Chapman’s pride stood in the way of him fulfilling his purpose, and now Greg was left considering his options.
Greg didn’t expect Chapman to write a paranoia-inducing article about Adam, but there wasn’t even a subtle reference to the New World dangers. Chapman’s first article should have been the core message for the country’s future. Instead, it was propaganda. Documentation used for a low-level political science class. Such writing would place Greg in an unfavorable position with Adam. He wouldn’t offer a second chance.
Where Conrad was professional, Chapman left much to be desired. Greg understood why Adam chose the soldier, but the voice didn’t even lock his computer after writing his little blog post. What kind of serious, impactful, writer doesn’t have a password? Greg was tempted to take his computer, log onto his substandard website, and delete this morning’s Chat.
As Conrad took the interstate exit, Greg could almost feel the pressure of his previous broken face return. It was like Adam was reminding him of the plan, and the severe repercussions of failure to achieve proper chaos. Yet, Chapman sat in the backseat of Conrad Greene’s car with his smug personality believing he wrote another excellent article for his millions of readers.
“Remind me again, why are we going here?” Chapman asked, tapping against the window.
“You weren’t invited,” Conrad quipped. Greg was beginning to understand why Conrad found Chapman so disenchanting. He was as idiotic as he was arrogant. It was as if Mickey Kyle possessed talent and fans, while gaining forty pounds of fat.
“Okay, why are you going here?”
“It’s the next step,” Greg answered. “And please, stop talking. You’re along for the ride because it’s the only place you’re safe. There is someone Conrad and I need to see, you can wait in the car.” Greg didn’t agree with Conrad’s need to include Watt in the future plans. He thought Watt seemed more like a self-serving narcissist than anything else. Adam wouldn’t take too kindly to a man with his level of arrogance. However, Greg believed he would better manipulate Conrad by following his lead. It was a long process, and Greg was wise to acquiesce to his initial ideas.
Chapman paused, he was smarter than Greg gave him credit for, but what made him so dangerous to Greg was his willingness to ask too many questions. “Who?”
“Do you want out? We can pull over and call you an Uber,” Greg asked. He wasn’t going to allow Chapman to pry his way into the plan anymore than he was needed. He wasn’t trustworthy.
Chapman leaned back. “Hey, now. There’s no harm in asking questions, is there?”
Greg had more to say, but chose to remain silent. Anything he said moving forward would come off harsh. Whether he liked it or not, Greg still needed to use Chapman in the future.
“No harm.” Conrad answered, “but no harm in no answer, either. You’re only here because I allow it.”
“Conrad, General Greene, Constitutional General Greene, come on. I know where we’re going.”
“Good for you.”
“I’ve made a career in knowing stuff I’m not supposed to know. We’re going to Union Matis, aren’t we?”
Greene’s smile grew wide, he laughed. It wasn’t his normal manly, hardy har har. It was more like a crazy person giggling to themselves. “Well done, Chapman. You know more than I realized. I suppose I owe you an apology for ever doubting you.” Conrad turned onto a dirt road and smiled. Greg didn’t like the way he smiled. He didn’t like the awkward smugness coming from Conrad. The saying, the cat who ate the canary, fit his face. “Union Matis Field, the last place you should ever want to go.”
*******
Conrad
0640 (Eastern time)
Union Matis, WV
Seth was finally understanding why Conrad didn’t trust Bryce Chapman. The reporter was only devoted to his own celebrity and refused to tell the whole story. He was more interested in half-truths and out-of-context quotes to support his weekly hot take. He didn’t have a back bone. He didn’t have a personality. Bryce Chapman was the worst parts of American culture. He was created by an upset demographic who wanted to find fault in anything they didn’t have control over. The voice of a disgruntled nation.
Conrad would have preferred Chapman drove back to DC by himself, instead of tagging along for the drive to West Virginia. It wasn’t a surprise to find out Chapman knew about Union Matis Field; it was a classified location, but legends have a way of cropping up out of thin air and spreading out to anyone listening. Chapman asked questions, constantly, and there were enough leaky faucets in high-positions who knew too much. President Watt was good at keeping secrets, but his cabinet (including Christopher Martin or Sarah Francis) could be an open book for the right price.
They were close though, a few more miles through the backroads and they would arrive at Union Matis. The most advanced military base in the country was hidden in plain sight. Hunters could spend hours circling Union Matis and never notice the building through the thick trees. Security was limited to a half dozen soldiers scouting the premises, despite the fact that there were more high level interrogations at Union Matis in a given year than in the entire history of Guantanamo Bay.
The last time Conrad was ther
e, he was overseeing an interrogation of six men with information about the location of Malaysian terrorists. Union Matis was the national hub for confidential military actions. Far enough from DC to be off the grid, close enough for a drive, and secluded enough where no one could find it. President Watt loved this location for the isolation and thick surrounding forest.
Seth’s plan didn’t completely match up with Conrad’s intentions, but that was okay. The young man didn’t have experience with American emotions. Until Salt Lake, Seth was another number to be protected. Now, he wanted to help spread the public message of fear and impending doom. His heart was in the right place, but people were too focused on Utah and the forthcoming destruction of the rest of the west coast.
It was easy to appreciate his passion though; Seth was stronger than Conrad realized. He wasn’t asking for protection and he wasn’t a normal civilian looking for a safe haven. Seth wanted to save the country.
He didn’t trust Uriah due to several orders to cover up the event in Salt Lake City. Not because his life was endangered, but because he saw Uriah as incompetent. The thought made Conrad laugh; no one has ever thought Uriah Watt wasn’t good at his job, except for the man he failed to kill three times.
The car was silent as they bounced along the dirt road. Seth and Chapman would be the first civilians at Union Matis, Seth would be the first, and only, to be allowed inside. Conrad knew to expect the soldiers to be a little on edge, but it would simplify once everyone learned of Seth’s importance. Conrad just needed to speak to Uriah and it would all work out.
Others, including Seth or Chapman, may believe Conrad’s continued support was foolish, but Conrad wouldn’t even be alive if it weren’t for Uriah. Men without war become fickle in their loyalty and unwilling to forgive, but war binds in a way that supersedes moments of bad decisions. Conrad didn’t have to like Watt’s decision, and he didn’t have to believe in it, but he believed in Uriah.
He was scrambling with desperation, but he was no fool. Conrad brought Seth along with hopes they could connect and work out a plan to fight back against Adam. If Ban’s bloodlust was satiated by the west coast attacks, then he would be out of the picture until the mysterious Subas and their leader were eradicated. At least, that was the plan.
Conrad thought Seth seemed passionate, but reasonable. He would give the President a chance because he trusted Conrad. He needed Conrad. Conrad was going to protect him, and could lead from a distance, just as Seth needed. Conrad wouldn’t make a decision like this without involving Seth.
Besides, the President needed to know there was a survivor.
Conrad pulled into Union Matis Field, optimistic. Over twenty five soldiers stood in the wide field watching the unexpected visitors pull in. The odd-shaped building brought back plenty of memories.
It was another opportunity to protect the country using unconventional means.
*******
Jenna
Unknown
Union Matis Field, WV
Jenna was still tied down and reclined on the table. She couldn’t see who, but someone entered the cell. His footsteps crept closer, while he did his best to stay out of view. It was the first time anyone came in since Marshall left in some kind of stupor. Part of her thought it happened because he touched her, as if she made him crazy. It sounded ridiculous, even in her head, but ridiculous was the new normal.
“Do you know why this place exists?”
Anyone but him.
Nino leaned over her, his eyes were puffy and red. Jenna would have jumped, if she could move. Instead, she stared back waiting for whatever terrible revenge he was going to give her. There was no getting out of this. Nino was the worst of the bunch because no one could reason with him. He was crazy. He liked to hurt people.
He was going to enjoy this.
Nino cleared his throat as he leaned down to Jenna. “Hey, I’m not going to hurt you. I want to, but there’s two men outside your door with orders to shoot me if I touch you. So, just answer the question, you dumb broad.”
Orders to shoot him?
“I don’t know why this place exists. Who’s outside?”
“Come on, I want you to guess.”
Jenna didn’t know what kind of game he was playing, but she didn’t want anything to do with it. Nino wasn’t creative or smart enough to joke. He might not be allowed to hurt her, but that’s why he was here. “I don’t know, to torture people, I guess.”
“Bingo! That would be a great guess.” He smiled and walked over to the door, poking his head outside and talking with the soldiers in the hallway. Jenna couldn’t hear him, but they seemed to be having a fun time talking to one another.
The table rose, bringing Jenna back upright.
“There. Is that better?” Nino asked, coming back in.
Jenna wasn’t thinking about Shelly before, but she thought about her now. Nino killed her. He was the one who shot her in the chest even though she wasn’t dangerous. If she were here now, she would put him in his place.
But she’s not. So what are you going to do?
She could handle him. “This is much more comfortable, thank you. Could you get me a soda or something?”
Nino laughed. “This is as good as it gets. You’re going to be dead before you get any refreshments, don’t worry.”
“And I know how you’re going to die. So I guess we’re even.”
“I never shoulda lived this long anyways. Hope it’s a good death. You won’t be alive to see it.”
He really wants you to know; he thinks you’re going to die. He thinks that should scare you. But it doesn’t. It can’t. Things aren’t going to get much worse than they already have. As long as Mona is safe, you’re going to be okay.
“Maybe, but why are you here? If you can’t hurt me, this seems like a waste of time.”
“I can’t touch you. But that doesn’t mean I can’t hurt you.”
“Ohhh, sound’s very intimidating. What did you have in mind?” Jenna liked mocking him. He hated every word she spoke without trembling lips.
He tried to act like it didn’t bother him, his smile was fake. “I have plenty in mind for you, sweetheart. Just you wait. But first…” He trailed off and looked back to the door. “First, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.”
“And what’s that?”
He’s too stupid to be creative, but whatever he has in mind will be awful.
“This place is the most secure facility in the US. Even more than the White House. But, I made a commitment to my Major. I promised to repay all debts to those who cross his men. How much worse would it be for the piece of trailer trash who hurt Marshall?”
Jenna didn’t answer. He was stupid, but he didn’t want to kill himself. At least, not right now, but eventually he was going to make her pay.
“I’m going to hurt you in ways you can’t imagine. And, eventually, those men will sleep, and I’ll get you to myself.”
“I’m a lucky girl,” she answered.
“Not yet, sweetheart. But soon.” He touched her face, she wanted to drive him nuts too.
He’s already crazy.
Nino cleared his throat and whispered, “Before then, I’m going to torture you in other ways. If I’m ordered by the President to not touch you, then I’ll have to be more creative. Unfortunately, Major Marshall is usually the one to keep me on a leash. Without him, I get pretty messy. Doesn’t bode well for you, either. Or your friends.”
Where is this going?
“First, I think I’ll kill the little girl.” He nodded to himself. “Light her on fire.”
*******
Greg/Seth
7:05 a.m. (Eastern time)
Union Matis, WV
“Who is he?” the soldier asked. His gun hovered over and pointed towards Greg. Other soldiers circled the car with their weapons steadily aimed at the three men in the car.
This wasn’t the welcome he was expecting.
“He is an important asset for a confid
ential mission. I need to get him inside to speak to Marshall.” Conrad replied, his voice steady and official. The soldier stared at Greg while Conrad spoke until he said the name Marshall, then all of a sudden, he was very interested.
“No civilian entry, sir. This is nonnegotiable.”
“I’m not negotiating. He is an asset. I’m your General. Put that gun down.”
“Sorry, sir. But your role doesn’t have jurisdiction here, I answer to one man.”
Conrad nodded. “And he’ll want to know I’m here.”
The soldier stepped back and spoke into his walkie talkie. The site of an old school communications device reminded Greg of his night in the pharmacy in Salt Lake. The experience of dissecting the Wolf uncovered Greg’s willingness to do anything in order to survive. Greg wasn’t weak. He wasn’t afraid. He was a survivor. There was no remorse in the actions he committed in order to still be alive and fulfill his purpose. Not now. Not later.
One of the others shouted, “Is that Bryce Chapman?”
Other men quickly approached the car with their guns drawn. They were surrounded by angry soldiers while harboring someone who made a career by mocking them. Chapman was demonized by the military because he demonized the military.
“That’s not good,” Chapman said. His eyes opened wide as a soldier opened his door. “Greene! Help!”
Conrad turned back, shocked, as his backdoor swung open. “Get out! Get out now!”
Greg’s door was open next.
Then Conrad’s.
Guns pointed at their faces as Chapman was dragged out by his feet. He kicked and screamed and held on to Greg’s seat, until another soldier punched him in his fat stomach.
Greg looked at the gun in front of his face, wondering if this was a part of the plan or if Conrad’s decision to include the President was for naught. A lesser man would be insecure at the speculation, but Greg knew the truth; Adam was still in control.
Dark Divide (Shadow and Shine Book 2) Page 31
